Legends Of Thamaturga The Guardian : The Guardian

by HC MacDonald

  Without breaking my stride I stepped into the clearing and Raoul was waiting for me. Hundreds of miles apart and I had made it in one step.

  “Did you find anything?” I asked.

  “No, another dead end. They did recommend I try the Nanton Village next. So maybe we can go their tomorrow.” Raoul replied.

  I nodded my head, tomorrow I thought. I would be gone tomorrow. It was for the best. I put my hand on his shoulder, it wasn’t necessary, but I needed the assurance he was there. I thought of his home, then took a step forward. We were in his house. Surrounded by the elders.

  I looked to Raoul, surprise on my face. He looked back at me, just as wide eyed. He knew what I was thinking before I could react. He grabbed my arm, and said no. I stood in place, allowing them to bind my hands with symboled leather straps and escort the two of us to an underground carved stone cell. If I wasn’t worried or mad I might have appreciated the elegant carved stone entry way and carved markings on the wall.

  I sat in my cell, looking across at Raoul. His head hung low. “How did this happen? We were careful. What went wrong.”

  I knew he wasn’t talking to me. “Raoul.” He didn’t look up. “Raoul.” When he met my eyes, I spoke, “I can get us out of here.”

  “It’s enchanted. You won’t be able to use magic in here. We must be quiet, they will be watching. We don’t want to add anymore speculation than we have already. I know I can talk some sense into them. I must.”

  I focused my thoughts. I was floating in the air, below me, a tranquil version of myself. I focused some more. Raoul was now with me, a double in his place. I lifted us through the ceiling, high above the forest ground we were hidden under.

  Raoul looked at me. Surprise written on his face. “You are more powerful than the talismans and potions?”

  I ignored his question. It was more of a statement than question. He knew what I could do. This was no different. Besides didn’t he say I was protected by one of my brands from curses. That’s what that dungeon was, a curse. I began pleading with Raoul, “I can send you anywhere, or have you come with me. We can go. I don’t want any trouble with the Elders or for Leon.”

  “No, there are still those we can reason with. As for the others, maybe we can get them to see you as an ally not a threat. We can work this out.”

  “That’s what Leon said. I want to believe you both, but its hard. I need to protect you all. Leaving is best. They won’t find us.”

  “Leon, you talked to Leon? What did he say?”

  “It was after I dropped you off. I thought of him. He was in the meadow alone. So I went to him. He said the council thought I was a spy and that I was threatening the village. Erebos wanted to track me down and bring me in for questioning.”

  “No one saw you?”

  “No, we were alone.”

  “Somehow they found out. I still feel it best to try to work with them, reason. If that doesn’t work, then I want you to leave. We must have faith first that they will listen.”

  “If you think so, I will wait it out.”

  I closed my eyes and we were in our cells again, taking our place against the shadows I had left. I turned from him then and waited.

  Morning came. Raoul and I hadn’t spoken all night. I kept my magic in check. We heard the door at the entrance open. Down the hall came Gregory. He looked at me with anger and disdain. I knew this would be a tough battle. He retrieved Raoul from his cell and escorted him out the door. Everything inside me yelled at me to grab the children and go. I had promised Raoul that I would have faith. I would trust him to change their minds.

  Hours went by. Raoul had not returned. I didn’t know if Leon was okay or the children. I was worried about Sanna and Ethan. I closed my eyes. I thought of each one. Where are you? As I spoke the words in my mind, Leon came into view.

  He was arguing with the council members in a large domed room. I recognized the door behind him as the one he was sitting by waiting the day before. I looked around the room, Raoul was there. His hands still bound. Leon was next to him. Raoul said nothing.

  I thought of Keiko. I saw her playing with Sasha and the others. Sanna was looking in on them. She looked worried. Ethan was pacing behind her in their home. I wanted to let them know I would be okay. I watched. Each moment assuring me of their loyalty and love for us. I was grateful each of them. At that thought, butterflies began forming on there ceiling. Lightly drifted down giving a burst of love and hope. I saw Sanna smile and watched as her shoulders relaxed. The children began chasing the butterflies giggling and happy. I felt better too. Knowing they were safe. I began thinking of the protective dome. It slowly crept over the Sanna’s home. They would all be safe till I could come for them.

  I was still worried about Leon and Raoul. I would think of them often and the view never changed. Debating and arguments, it went on for hours. Night soon came. I closed my eyes and slept. A new set of nightmares awaiting me.

  My dreams came and went in the night. Raiders lining up ready to fight. Nezra sweeping across the land burning and destroying everything he encountered. My mother screaming for mercy. My village burning to the ground. Ladow wiped from the earth. I couldn’t wake from the endless torment of dreams. I could fell the heat of the fires on the stones I was sleeping on.

  I woke from my endless night. No one was with me. I was still alone. I thought about Keiko. She was sleeping in a bed with Juji, Wyatt, and Sasha. I saw Sanna and Ethan nestled in the next room. They were safe. I thought of Raoul. He was sleeping on a cot in another cell far from me. He looked frail and old as he slept. I searched for Leon. He was in the meadow walking. I could see he was agitated. I wanted to go to him. So I did. I left a shadow of myself in the cell and went to the meadow.

  Chapter 10

  Answer

  Leon

  The moon had gone, but the sun had still not broke the horizon. I had argued early into the morning with Erebos and the Council. They had taken a break. Tomorrow, they will begin questioning and bargaining with Raina. Their plan to manipulate her into slavery. I hated them all for what they were doing. I stood there staring at the stars.

  I smelt her first, knew she was coming. I didn’t completely understand what she could do. I was told she was in being held in the anti chamber. It was a special stone holding cell that our ancestor’s had carved using special potions and tools to nullify any magic. Either she was there and I was missing her so much I manifested her scent to soothe me, or she was not in the anti chamber. I turned to face the scent and watched as she appeared before me. I reached out and pulled her into my arms. Kissing her like it was our last time.

  I knew she would leave if I couldn’t change the councils mind. I knew I would never be the same when she did. I loved her. I needed her. She held on to me so tight giving into the kiss. When we finally broke the connection she pulled back far enough to look at me.

  “I have been worried about you.” I began.

  “I know, I’ve been watching.” She looked down at the ground. Almost embarrassed that she had seen.

  “I am fighting for us. I am fighting for you. Please don’t leave me yet.”

  “I know, Raoul says I must have faith that they will change.”

  “He is right you know.”

  “Is he okay? He looked worn and beaten.”

  “He will be fine. They have punished him for helping you. Thirty days in the cell. He will be stripped of his position as councilor. He will be limited to Ladow till they feel he has learned his lesson.”

  “I should have left weeks ago.” She turned as she said it, tearing away from my arms. I reached out and pulled her back.

  “No, you shouldn’t have. Raoul would have still helped you. He would do it again. I would do it again. We see the good person you are. You are not Nezra. You have nothing to apologize for. Do you hear me.”

  She didn’t respond. She laid her head on my chest as I held her close.

  “What happened? How did they find out?”


  I didn’t want to tell her. I didn’t want her thinking it was her fault. Truth be told, they would have found out eventually. Keeping four people hidden was hard enough. I just thought we would have more time. I weighed my options, deciding what to say.

  “It was me wasn’t it.” She said, as if reading my thoughts.

  “No, it was Erebos. He was spying. He is the one to blame.”

  “I should wish him away.” I knew she was only joking but that would solve many of my problems.

  “No, you shouldn’t.”

  “I know, I just hate that I am responsible for this mess. What do we do?”

  My heart leaped, she was seeking my counsel and speaking of us, not just her and the kids. Why did this have to happen now?

  “I don’t know, but I will be there for you. Together we will figure it out.” I lifted her face. Leaned my head down to her lips. I could feel her breath on my cheeks. “I love you, Raina.” Then I kissed her.

  The kiss was sweet as honey and I reveled in her smell and warmth.

  “I need to get back.” She was pulling away again.

  “Where do they have you?”

  “In a carved stone underground cell.” She stepped back and disappeared.

  I stood in the morning rays of dawn. Her heat signature still attached to my body. My lips still warm with her touch. My mind realizing, nothing could stop her. If she wanted to leave, she would. I couldn’t tell anyone she was not affected by the anti chamber.

  This would change everything. I ran back to the council chambers and began drafting an allegiance treaty that included an option of marriage in the future for us both, adding an additional layer of confirmation to the council. Together, it would afford her freedom, give her the power to reject my proposal, and most importantly, give peace of mind to the council for now and well into the future.

  I was finishing the contract as the first member arrived. I ignored him and focused on the contract. A few more changes and it would be perfect. I would get what I wanted, Raina would get freedom. Raoul would be pardoned. The village would be protected. Everything would work out. As the last member arrived, Erebos, I made the last mark on the contract and prepared to make my argument to the members. For the first time in two days I felt hope.

  I called the meeting to order and began my deliberation. When I had finished, they accepted my contract and went into a back chamber to deliberate my offer. I sat quietly waiting for them to return.

  Chapter 11

  Betrayal

  Raina

  I was awaken by the noise of the door. I was mentally exhausted. My worries wearing me down. I closed my eyes when I returned from the meadow. Sleep taking hold. I didn’t have any dreams this time, only a void of blackness. When I heard the noise, I rolled over onto my back, then sat up. Gregory was looking at me. He motioned for me to come. I slowly walked to the open door of my cell. There he tied the carved leather bands around my wrists. We began walking to the entrance.

  He lead me down a series of passages then up a staircase to a large door. He pushed it open. I could see Leon sitting at the edge of the dark room alone. Waiting. I walked thru. The door closed behind me. Gregory had not entered. I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to do. I wanted to run to Leon. Instead, I stood there unmoving. Leon looked over toward me. His face unreadable. He rose from his seat and strode over to me. He gathered me in his arms. Whispered in my ear.

  “I think I solved the problem. I put together a contract between you and them. It will guarantee your freedom, but require your assistance if an attack should happen on Ladow. Raoul would be safe. You would be safe. You could come and go, even stay if you choose.” His smile was hopeful. His eyes full of admiration. I felt the weight I had been carrying lift slightly from my shoulders.

  “Will they sign it?”

  “They are deliberating. Come sit with me.”

  Leon pulled me over to the seats near the center of the room. He sat and pulled me onto his lap. He kissed me then. A quick peck on the lips. He nestled his head in my neck, holding me tight.

  “I love you so much. If this works, you will stay?”

  I didn’t know what I would do. I wanted to stay. I wanted to be with him. Build a life together. I allowed myself to drop my guard. “I love you to. I would stay with you if you would have me.”

  At that his face lit up. He reached up and took hold of my face bending it down to kiss him. It was a longer kiss, one full of hope and meaning. I knew I loved him. I knew it from the night we danced. To hear him so openly express his love was wonderful. Now, I too was full of hope and excitement. We were going to be together. It was going to work. The kiss ended. A sigh left my throat. He squeezed me tight. I didn’t want it to stop.

  We sat in each others arms, awaiting the decision. I didn’t mind that it was taking a long time. I was safe in Leon’s arms. Soon our bliss ended. Leon was called into a back chamber. I was asked to stand in the middle. A light encircled me.

  “This dome will keep you in place till we are finished.” Someone said.

  If it worked as the dungeon and bands did, then I had nothing to worry about. The magic they used was no good on me. I stood quietly. Not wanting to upset the balance Leon had so carefully made.

  I had been in the circle for what I figured was close to an hour when the council men finally started to filter into the room. All taking a seat in a half circle around me. Leon was with them. A smile on his face.

  I inhaled a deep breath. If Leon was happy, then it must be good news. I felt a wave of relief wash over me. I waited patiently for them to start.

  Gregory came to the dome a carved talisman around his neck. He stepped into the light. Handed me a scribed paper and pen.

  He stepped out of the circle and took his seat with the others. I looked at Leon and smiled. This would be over soon. Everyone back to normal, and no more hiding.

  I looked down at the paper, it was a contract, signed by all the members of the council and Leon. I began reading the contract.

  ‘I Raina do hereby solemnly swear allegiance to the Council of Ladow to serve as protector and defender of the Ladow citizens. This is a binding contract that cannot be broken by law or magic. As protector and defender I, Raina, will do so under the sole leadership of the Council headed by Erebos High Elder......’

  This didn’t sound like what Leon had said. I kept reading.

  ‘By swearing allegiance I, Raina, will forgo my freedom to be available always to the Council under Erebos High Elder’s direction...’

  My heart was starting to beat faster. This couldn’t be happening. Did Leon know they changed it.

  ‘...and by doing so will remain in the anti chamber when I, Raina, am not needed. Only coming out of seclusion when summoned by the Council under the direction of Erebos High Elder. I Raina agree to not have any relations with any persons within the Ladow borders. I Raina agree to not have any relations with any persons or creatures outside the Ladow borders. I Raina agree to severe all ties with any existing persons I have been in contact with at any time in my life. I Raina...’

  I could read anymore. I felt sick to my stomach. I would be their contracted prisoner. Tucked away until needed. Required to defend and fight till death or watch as those I know and love are punished and killed. I sat on the ground. Paper in my lap. Head hanging low. I heard one of them talk.

  “Do you agree to the terms we have set?” the council man asked.

  “If I don’t then what?” I replied.

  “Raina, these are the best terms you will get. It is in yours and my best interest to sign them.” Leon said with a worried smile.

  I couldn’t believe he was agreeing with them. He had just told me differently, now this. How could he?

  “Did you read this?” I asked Leon as I waved the paper at him.

  “Yes, I approved the changes. I did it because I love you.” Leon responded.

  My jaw dropped open. I couldn’t believe he had approved this contract. I glanced over it agai
n, making sure I was reading the right words.

  “Do we have a deal?” Another councilor asked.

  “If you do not sign it, you will be forced to do as they please. Sit in a cell. Be cut off from the world. Please sign the contract.” Leon pleaded.

  “How is that different than this?” I asked back to him still waving the contract.

  “If you do not sign you will go back to the cell. We will find your friends and lock them up for treason.” Someone said with a smile on his face. It had to be Erebos I thought.

  I looked at Leon. My heart shattering in pieces. How could he betray me like this? Turn me over to be a slave. He was pleading with me to sign. Telling me what a good option it was. I couldn’t look at him. Instead, mind made up, I took what I vowed I would not. His memories of me.

  No more was I part of his story. I was not the one to wake him in the Koboldrone. He was awaken by a noise. We did not travel through the forest together. He traveled alone. He did not see me at the fortress. We did not escape together. He did it on his own. Me, the kids, the memories we shared. I took them all. I saw his face go blank. He no longer recognized me and would not remember me when I left.

  I tore the paper in two and stood up. The council shouting there demands and threats my direction. I didn’t listen. I closed my eyes and thought of Raoul. He was laying on the hay in his cell. I thought of the Keiko, Juji, and Wyatt. They were playing out front of Sanna’s home. In a blink of an eye, I was there, Raoul by my side.